A popular postman is back on his regular round after Royal Mail bowed to pressure from villagers who campaigned for his return after he was moved a few weeks ago.

A popular postman is back on his regular round after Royal Mail bowed to pressure from villagers who campaigned for his return after he was moved a few weeks ago.

Villagers from Weston Longville, Lyng and Sparham formed a protest group called Lost in the Post? after they found out postman Kevin Hudson was being moved from his regular round in Weston Longville and the neighbouring villages.

On November 20 they staged the first of what was expected to be a series of protests at the Royal Mail sorting office in Norwich, and each village also started a petition to get Mr Hudson back.

Now the campaigners are delighted that their hard work has paid off, after Mr Hudson returned to his usual round on Monday.

Campaign co-ordinator Peter Ross, from Weston Longville, said: “It's brilliant news. It shows that our campaign worked and that the Royal Mail listened to us

“Mr Hudson is an exceptional ambassador for Royal Mail who has developed excellent relationships with everyone on his round and is highly valued for the quality service he provides.”

Mr Hudson had worked the same beat to the north-west of the city for 21 years but he was moved to an adjacent round about five weeks ago.

The 50-year-old, from Ollands Road, Reepham, said he was pleased to be back on his usual round.

A Royal Mail spokesman had previously said Mr Hudson was moved due to a change in the route of the round at its Lyng delivery office.

After Mr Hudson was put back on his original round a Royal Mail spokesman said: “We are pleased that our customers have had such excellent service from one of our postmen.”